alb8372770

Afghanistan: Buddhist fresco from Mes Aynak, Logar Province, eastern Afghanistan,6th-7th century. Brent Huffman (photographer)

About 35 kms from Kabul, Mes Aynak, is a trove of Buddhist monastery ruins, statues, and stupas attesting to the prolific role that Afghanistan played in the proliferation of Buddhism in Central and East Asia. Currently being excavated as a copper mine, rescue excavations began in 2009. Work was undertaken by the National Institute of Archaeology and the Delegation Archeologique Francaise en Afghanistan. Part of the monastic compound was excavated, leading to the discovery of a vaulted chapel, monks cells and storerooms.<br/><br/>. Polychrome terracotta statues were also found, including a sleeping Buddha. A monastery complex has also been dug out, revealing hallways and rooms decorated with frescoes and filled with clay and stone statues of standing and reclining Buddhas, some as high as 10 ft (3m); more than 150 statues have been found so far though many remain in place.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox

add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image. Select the use:
Loading...
Title:
Afghanistan: Buddhist fresco from Mes Aynak, Logar Province, eastern Afghanistan,6th-7th century. Brent Huffman (photographer)
Caption:
About 35 kms from Kabul, Mes Aynak, is a trove of Buddhist monastery ruins, statues, and stupas attesting to the prolific role that Afghanistan played in the proliferation of Buddhism in Central and East Asia. Currently being excavated as a copper mine, rescue excavations began in 2009. Work was undertaken by the National Institute of Archaeology and the Delegation Archeologique Francaise en Afghanistan. Part of the monastic compound was excavated, leading to the discovery of a vaulted chapel, monks cells and storerooms.

. Polychrome terracotta statues were also found, including a sleeping Buddha. A monastery complex has also been dug out, revealing hallways and rooms decorated with frescoes and filled with clay and stone statues of standing and reclining Buddhas, some as high as 10 ft (3m); more than 150 statues have been found so far though many remain in place.
Credit:
Album / Universal Images Group / Pictures From History
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
4500 x 3914 px | 50.4 MB
Print size:
38.1 x 33.1 cm | 15.0 x 13.0 in (300 dpi)